Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The US Special Envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, has stated that the incoming Trump administration will prioritize the security of the Red Sea and will not tolerate the continued attacks on ships, including those carrying US cargo, by the Houthi group.
In an episode of “From Washington” broadcast on Al Jazeera 360 on November 14, 2024, Lenderking indicated that the Houthis’ strategy in Yemen is on the verge of collapse due to their alienation of the international community through attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and their repression of civilians.
The envoy described the situation in Yemen as “extremely delicate,” describing the current ceasefire and the cessation of years of intense fighting. However, he warned of the grave consequences of further military escalation by the Houthis on peace efforts.
Lenderking condemned the Houthis’ “reckless and indiscriminate” attacks in the Red Sea, which have targeted shipping, resulting in the deaths of innocent sailors and the destruction of vessels. He expressed international frustration with the Houthis’ actions and called for an end to all such attacks.
The US diplomat urged the Houthis to cease their attacks in the Red Sea, stating that “if we see some rational behavior from the Houthis, we may discuss returning to the peace efforts that the current US administration desires.”
Regarding the impact of the war in Gaza on peace efforts in Yemen, Lenderking explained that it had a “significant negative impact.” He accused the Houthis of squandering the opportunity presented by the ceasefire and failing to achieve any positive results, despite the international community’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance.
Lenderking called for a ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that the Houthis’ exploitation of this conflict is not in the best interests of the Palestinians. He emphasized the need for the Houthis to prioritize the well-being of Yemenis, which could be achieved by halting attacks in the Red Sea and returning to peace efforts.
Addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, Lenderking affirmed that the US administration aims to improve conditions and mitigate the crisis. He criticized the Houthis for diverting donor attention away from the urgent needs in Yemen through their attacks in the Red Sea. The envoy also condemned the Houthis’ detention of over 100 humanitarian aid workers in Yemen, calling it “harmful and detrimental to Yemenis.”
When asked about the future of US policy towards Yemen under Trump’s administration, Lenderking predicted that both Presidents Biden and Trump would maintain a focus on Yemen. He emphasized the Houthis’ growing ties with Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and expressed concern about the presence of Iranians in Sana’a assisting in targeting ships.
